The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) International Roadcheck blitz is almost here. 
Next week, truck inspectors will conduct Level 1 inspections on anyone they pull over during the 72-hour blitz that takes place Tuesday, June 4 to Thursday, June 6 throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada.
This year’s violation emphasis category is steering components and suspension systems. Here are some tips to “Beat the Blitz.”
- Given all the moving parts in a steering system, such as U-joints, gear box, Pitman arm, and tie rods, the key is knowing tolerances for movement.
- Inspectors look topside where they lift the hood to examine additional steering components and check for fluid leaks
- During steering inspections, inspectors feel for loose ball joints, tie rods and U-joints.
- When you see tire issues, most notably irregular wear, it gives you clues depending on how that tire’s wearing as to the alignment of the truck,” said Kyle Chen, brand manager of truck and bus radial tires at Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations.
Click here for more tips.
More About the Blitz
Steering and suspension are critical for all commercial vehicles, which is why CVSA has chosen each as the focus for this year’s 72-hour blitz.
“Steering and suspension are safety critical systems for any commercial motor vehicle,” said CVSA President Chief Jay Thompson with the Arkansas Highway Police in a news release. “Not only do they support the heavy loads carried by trucks and buses, but they also help maintain stability and control under acceleration and braking, keeping the vehicle safely on the road. Furthermore, they keep tires in alignment, reducing chances of uneven tire wear and possible tire failure, and they maximize the contact between the tires and the road to provide steering stability and good handling.”
Truck drivers inspected during the blitz will receive a full 37 point North American Standard Level I Inspection, according to the CVSA.
What does an inspection entail?
The 37-step procedure includes an examination of driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness. Inspectors may opt to conduct the Level II Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection, Level III Driver/Credential/Administrative Inspection or Level V Vehicle-Only Inspection.
View the North American Standard Level I Inspection Procedures here, including details on what each step entails.
The CVSA has also published documentation on Rack and pinion steering system inspection as well as Safety Procedures for Lift Axle Inspection and Safety Inspection Procedures for Vehicles Equipped with Air Suspension.
Take Our Blitz Quiz to Win a Set of Steer Tires
Medallion Transport & Logistics wants to reward all truck drivers who are prepared for International Roadcheck. Take our Roadcheck 2019 quiz. All drivers who score 100% will be entered into a drawing for the tires, and are eligible for other tires. Only one entry per driver will be accepted.
Questions? Contact Medallion Transport & Logistics
Medallion Transport & Logistics is committed to driver support, especially when it comes to maintenance including regular inspections. We offer our freight agents and owner operators a national tire purchase program and emergency road service, although preventative maintenance for safety and to avoid any down time is always encouraged. For questions about driver safety, give us a call at 704-235-0460 or send us an email to info@medalliontrans.com.